Said to be ‘multifunctional like a Swiss Army knife’, the pick-up features an extended cab, styling bar and short wheelbase along with permanent four-wheel drive with mechanical rear axle differential lock and 30mm additional ground clearance.

The Tristar takes styling cues from some of the passenger car models and includes sharp wrap-around lines, LED headlights and a bold front end.

As well as offering extreme off-road capability, the concept also focuses on flexible storage solutions. Features include two separate levels for cargo with a spacious, dust-proof and watertight drawer under the flatbed section with room for a deep-tread spare tyre.

Meanwhile the interior takes a high-tech approach with a 20-inch tablet display, video conferencing table, driver and passenger seats that turn and slide and even an espresso machine.

Speaking at the world premiere of the model at the IAA, which also sees the full VW commercial vehicle line-up present, Dr Eckhard Scholz, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: ‘The Tristar shows an unprecedented combination of all the good features of the T model series. It demonstrates potential and proves it is still the benchmark. Hence the Tristar combines elements of yesterday and tomorrow. On the anniversary of the first syncro concept car, it strikingly highlights the company's all-wheel drive expertise and demonstrates its future viability.

‘We take the needs of our customers seriously and are continuing to develop our best-seller with great purpose. We are therefore redefining the benchmark of the class with each and every new model.’

The concept is unveiled as VW says that demand for the T5 continues to rise, prompting a production increase at Hannover Transporter plant.

Dr Eckhard Scholz continued: ‘The T5 is our best-seller and demand remains buoyant as before. That's why we are working extra shifts. We see the uninterrupted enthusiasm of our customers for the success model as both recognition and incentive to make the next model into a best-seller. We can already announce today that we are proud to present the T6 within the foreseeable future. It will incorporate the excellent characteristics of the T5 and it will also feature a whole load of new technology innovations. The result will again be an outstanding, reliable, technically refined, mobile companion for our customers to pursue their trade and leisure time activities. Until then, the T5 will remain our sales hit. The high level of customer satisfaction is proof enough!’